Free Pattern Friday – Page 9 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

March 3, 2023March 2, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Hopscotch Socks

There’s nothing better than seeking creativity in all that you do. As kids, it was imaginary lava floors and adventurous explorations of the woods in our backyard. Now, where do we find our inspiration? Well, hopefully, this Free Pattern Friday can offer you a dose of creativity that will lead to something worth cherishing with the Hopscotch Socks!

Socks are a hot commodity in the knitting and crocheting community, and we want to offer an original touch to this accessory that will have you making room in your sock drawer. The Hopscotch Socks, designed by Heather Hill, use our Zesty Sock yarn in the colorway 101 Cupcake to create an exciting next project for you.

Zips of color jump off the creamy white base of this yarn to give it a three-dimensional look and feel. These socks use calming Stockinette stitch throughout, and then each zip of color uses a purl stitch giving the Hopscotch Socks a textured design.

Constructing these socks begins from the cuff down with a heel flap and gusset, where you will use slip stitches with the yarn held in front to give these socks even more durability. The combination of stockinette and purl stitches makes this project great for someone looking to grow their knitting skillset. Socks can be intimidating, but this pattern will walk you through step by step (no pun intended) so that you will have a pair of socks you will wear for years to come!

Now, let’s talk about our featured yarn for the weekend! Zesty Sock is a super-fine weight blend of superwash merino wool and nylon. Each of the six colors of this yarn has a solid base, with pops of zesty color running throughout, creating unique designs you’ve never seen before. Newly introduced for Spring 2023, there is so much you can use our Zesty Sock yarn to craft.

If you’re feeling extra creative, we encourage you to match Zesty Sock with our solids from Uni Merino. Uni Merino is available in mini 25g balls (Uni Merino Mini) which are excellent for contrasting colorwork on small items, or in 100g balls for larger pieces. There are 50 colors to choose from, and its composition is an exact match to vibrant Zesty Sock, making them the perfect pairing for your next project.

This weekend only – save 20% off Zesty Sock!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

February 24, 2023February 23, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Chiaroscuro

There’s nothing quite like Friday, and for this week’s Flash Pattern Friday, we have a fun surprise. Wool combined with classic tweedy nubs makes for the most exciting sweater projects, and today through Sunday, you can download the Chiaroscuro sweater for free on Ravelry!

The Chiaroscuro sweater features beautiful colorwork throughout the yoke.

Designed by Amy Gunderson, Chiaroscuro offers so much to love, but what stands out the most is the colorwork patterns on the yoke of this sweater. Three colors combine, using rhythmic slip stitches to create a design of crosses and left and right slants. Add in a funnel neck design and a bit of added length, and you’ve got a cozy and comfortable sweater you’ll reach for time and time again. This pattern might sound intimidating but don’t worry – it’s perfect for those looking to grow their knitting skills!

The oversized design of this sweater makes it nice and cozy.

The rolled and contrasting color hem, neckline, and sleeve cuffs add another element of excitement to the construction of this garment. Worked in a contrasting color, this added detail is not overbearing, but we know it will make others take notice. This sweater is found in the Still Life pattern collection, which features six garments and accessories in Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash and Deluxe Worsted Superwash. Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash has 24 different color options, so you can make a sweater that uses your favorite colors. The Chiaroscuro is sized from Small through 5X and is free to download on Ravelry through Sunday!

This graphic will help guide you to get the Chiaroscuro sweater for free.

To get Chiaroscuro for free, head to Ravelry and click “buy it now” or “add to cart” after searching for this pattern. When you reach the checkout, enter the code “FLASH” to get this pattern for free. Not a Ravelry user? Email us at patterns@universalyarn.com by Sunday, February 26th, and we will take care of you when we return to the office next week.

Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash is the perfect yarn for any sweater, including the Chiaroscuro. This blend of superwash wool, viscose, and acrylic makes for stylish garments and accessories because of the tweedy nubs. Plus, every project you make will be machine-washable, making your life easier. Your friends and family are sure to know it was hand-knit or crocheted due to the stitch definition found in Deluxe Worsted Tweed projects. Match it with Deluxe Worsted Superwash for even more fun! Check out your local yarn store to see if they have Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash in stock, and ask about drop shipping options if they don’t. If they are a Universal Yarn retailer, you can order any quantity of our yarns through your LYS for a flat shipping fee of $11. They’ll benefit from your patronage, and you’ll have the yarn shipped right to your door!

To go along with Flash Pattern Friday, Deluxe Worsted Tweed Superwash is 20% off this weekend only on our website. Visit UniversalYarn.com to stock up on this yarn at a discounted price!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

February 17, 2023February 20, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Marina

Another Friday, another incredible free pattern just for you! This week, Marina is permanently free! This previously paid for pattern is from our Spring Capsule collection, featuring our Radiant Cotton yarn.

This sweater is perfect for the upcoming spring season

There’s so much about the Marina sweater that makes you want to pick up your needles and get started. The first thing that sticks out is the beautiful sheen seen in the 100% Egyptian Giza cotton yarn, known as Radiant Cotton. Aside from the yarn, we know you will love the overall construction of this garment, so let’s take a look at those details!

The Marina pullover uses Radiant Cotton color 809 Atlantic

This sweater is worked flat in pieces and seamed. Seams add structure to the finished garment, enhancing the lifespan of your hand knits. A split hemline and saddle shoulders are additional details that add sophistication to the Marina pullover. Although this sweater may be long-sleeved, Radiant Cotton is a light and breathable yarn, so you can wear it comfortably throughout the coming year. Now that you’ve heard a little more about the construction of this sweater: let’s go ahead and look at our Radiant Cotton yarn!

There is so much to love about our Radiant Cotton yarn. The 100% Egyptian Giza cotton fibers have a long staple length, giving it an unmatched luxurious feel, strength, and a gorgeous sheen that makes any of the 32 color options stand out. This yarn is an excellent choice for sophisticated and polished garment and accessory projects and looks beautiful in both knit and crochet stitch patterns. Now is the time to shop Radiant Cotton as it is 20% off its 50% off sale price this weekend only!

As always, thank you for reading! Stay up to date with us on social media and by joining our newsletter. You’ll be the first to know about all of our sales and new releases, plus you’ll get a 10% off welcome coupon for signing up!

Thanks for stopping by!

Robert

February 10, 2023February 9, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Broomstick Lace Scarf

It’s Friday, so you know what that means – it’s time for a free pattern! This week, we have the Broomstick Lace Scarf, an elegant crochet scarf with eye-catching Broomstick Lace detailing.

*Broomstick Lace Scarf using Noelle in the color 304 Calypso*

Broomstick Lace is a unique type of lace that requires a large crochet hook, which you pull loops of yarn onto across an entire row, with the use of your smaller hook. These loops are gently pulled off the large hook in sets, then single crochet is worked through them to go back across the row again. These single crochet stitches twist the loops so they lay flat, creating the swirled effect of the lace. It’s a technique that seems intimidating at first, but is actually quite simple, and even repetitive, once you get the hang of it. The resulting pattern is stunning and well worth the effort!

*Close-up view of the Broomstick Lace detailing in the scarf.*

The lace and simple half double crochet fabric in this week’s pattern accentuates the glistening properties of the yarn, Noelle. This DK weight, Italian yarn features a shimmering hollow core with fibers blown through, creating an ethereal effect. It is available in 50g skeins, in four bespoke colors, and is composed of baby alpaca, merino wool, polyester, and nylon. To make sure your shimmering stitches last, hand wash your work in cold water and lay it flat to dry.

I hope you feel inclined to make the enchanting Broomstick Lace Scarf, or to stock your stash with beautiful Noelle. If crochet isn’t for you, you might find other inspiration browsing the Subtle Glow collection, featuring 5 scintillating patterns to knit or crochet. Share your work with us by tagging us on social media, we love sharing the joy of your creations!

Happy Stitching, y’all!
Ashley Jane

February 3, 2023February 2, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Cotton Candy Shawl

Picture this: you’re at a baseball game, and you pass by the Cotton Candy cart. This isn’t a treat you get to have often, so the memory of seeing the fun colors and the sugary sweet taste stays with you for years to come. Believe it or not, things like this can often serve as inspiration for design, and that is exactly what inspired today’s Free Pattern.

Sometimes our sugar rush leads us to look for a new pattern, and today, you’re in luck. The Cotton Candy Shawl is now permanently free to download. This beautiful asymmetric shawl uses our soft and woolly Donnina yarn to create an accessory that you will want to wear all year long.

The Cotton Candy Shawl is the perfect accessory for this upcoming spring season!

The Cotton Candy Shawl is knit with a modular construction, starting with a mitered square. Simple garter stitch is worked throughout so that you can focus on the construction of this pattern. Watch this shawl come to life as you knit one color at a time, resulting in a color-blocked appearance that shows off our bold Donnina yarn. The colors 224 Navy, 210 Sweet Pea, and 201 Vanilla are used in this project. As an added bonus, Donnina is a sport-weight yarn, meaning you can wear this shawl year-round.

The Cotton Candy Shawl can be styled in many different ways

Sumptuous and smooth Donnina is the perfect complement to the Cotton Candy Shawl. Each 50g skein contains 180 yards of yarn that will leave you in awe. Donnina has 25 available colors, and you are more than welcome to substitute colors to create your own personalized Cotton Candy Shawl. It’s the perfect time to shop this yarn, as it recently went on sale for 40% off, and with this weekend’s sale, you can purchase Donnina for an extra 20% off. There are so many great patterns in this yarn, which you can see at this link.

Donnina is 100% superwash extra fine merino

I hope you enjoyed reading more about the Cotton Candy Shawl and our woolly Donnina yarn, and who knows, maybe you’re inspired to head to the grocery store for some Cotton Candy (no shame in that). We encourage you to share all your finished Universal Yarn projects with us at #universalyarn on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by! – Robert

January 27, 2023January 26, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Middlefield

Our first Flash Pattern Friday of 2023 is finally here! This weekend only, grab a free copy of this gorgeous knitting pattern!

*Middlefield is the perfect layering piece for the coldest days of winter*

On the last Friday of every month, we take a beautiful paid pattern and make it free for the weekend! Today, we’re making the Middlefield (Ravelry link) free to you, a timeless cabled design in our Deluxe Bulky Superwash yarn.

*This piece can be worn with the cabel panels horizontal or vertical, whichever you prefer!*

Middlefield was first published in 2017 as part of the Ethereal Knits ebook. This collection features seven garments and accessories that are perfect multi-season options for your wardrobe. However, Middlefield is a great challenge for those looking to grow their knitting skillset. This knitted poncho has cabled panels that can be worn horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference. The two sides are identical rectangles, knit sideways and then seamed together to complete this garment. While this outwear piece uses the color 930 Steel Cut Oats, there are plenty of options for those looking to go a different direction.

Here are some alternative color options that I would like to suggest. Jadestone brings a beautiful earthy tone that would be perfect for springtime (warm weather, we miss you). Pantone just released their 2023 Color Of The Year, Viva Magenta, and Rosy Mauve would make a great choice if you want to go that route. While winter is still here, Ice Rustic and Summer Sky present two frosty colors that would match the season perfectly. No matter what shade sparks your creativity, I know you will find inspiration from our 50+ color options in Deluxe Bulky Superwash.

*This poncho will keep you warm year-round thanks to the 100% superwash wool and bulky yarn weight of Deluxe Bulky Superwash!*

To get Middlefield for free, head to Ravelry and click “buy it now” or “add to cart” after searching for this pattern. When you reach the checkout, enter the code “FLASH” to get this pattern for free. Not a Ravelry user? Email us at pattern@universalyarn.com by Sunday, January 29th, and we will take care of you when we return to the office next week.

We hope that you enjoy this limited-time free pattern, and make sure to shop Deluxe Bulky Superwash this weekend to save 20% off, no code necessary (1/27 – 1/29).

Thanks for stopping by! -Robert

January 20, 2023January 20, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Elijah

Happy Friday, friends! Our newest free pattern is a sweet, small piece designed with little ones in mind. This week, we bring you the Elijah cardigan made with Deluxe Worsted Superwash!

*Elijah cardigan in Deluxe Worsted Superwash colors 709 Lime Tree, 718 Dusty Blue, and 760 Indigo.*

Deluxe Worsted Superwash is a wonderful yarn for a child’s garment. It’s made of 100% superwash wool, so you can machine wash it in cold water, and even tumble dry it on a low setting. It comes in 67 different colors, so there are endless combinations you can create to express the perfect palette for a budding personality. This pattern calls for (1) skein each of #709 Lime Tree, #718 Dusty Blue, and #760 Indigo for all sizes. You could opt for more rosy hues, something adventurous, or even go off pattern and get multiple colors to rainbow your way through each striped section! No matter what you choose, this cardigan will be a treasured gift for someone else, or a little one of your own.

Another detail that adds room for whimsy, quirk, polished-ness or pizazz is buttons! We love getting to add a touch of personality to top off any project with a good button. For this sample, we used the Prism buttons by Katrinkles, which kind of resemble a compass. It’s a touch of adventure that reminds us of those magical moments where kids will play outside imagining that they are explorers trekking through trees and bushes to fantasized lands.

Elijah cardigan, featuring Prism Buttons by Katrinkles

This easy-rated pattern is worked from the bottom-up in one piece using a subtly textured stripe-sequence. The body is worked flat, then the fronts and back are separated at the armholes and worked separately. The shoulders are joined using the three-needle method, then the sleeves are picked up and worked in the round. The button bands and neck edging are picked up and worked flat to wrap the whole thing up. The pattern has schematics to help guide you through the assembly. This is a great project if you’re looking to try a garment for the first time, or want a quick make between other complex pieces, and have a little one in your life to celebrate.

Elijah cardigan, in Deluxe Worsted Superwash is ready for wearing!

We can’t wait to see your version of the Elijah cardigan! Be sure to share it with us on social media. Follow & tag us on Instagram at @Universal_Yarn and use the hashtag #UniversalYarn, or find and follow us on TikTok or Facebook at @UniversalYarn.

That’s all for now, happy stitching friends!

January 13, 2023January 12, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Classic Cap

Happy Friday everyone! Our newest pattern is not only perfect for the weather outside, but it can be whipped up in a matter of hours. Yes, please! This week’s free pattern is the Classic Cap, knit using Posh Alpaca.

Robert is wearing the Classic Cap shown with the brim folded up; an on-trend styling option.

The Classic Cap is all the things you need for a knit ‘palette cleanser’. Soothing stitch work and a simple, clean silhouette make this pattern perfect for all skill levels. You can work one up in between big projects, or cast it on for your first-ever knit hat – any reason to knit is a good one!

Our Managing Director, Yonca Ozbelli, originally made this hat as a gift request from her daughter Talya, and then made 4 more of them in the span of two weeks! So as you can see, you’ll get this project done in no time, and probably get asked for a few more from your friends or family as well.

Posh Alpaca in 101 Birch, 105 Cinder, and 107 Sparrow

Posh Alpaca is a luxuriously soft, single-ply roving style yarn that is spun in Italy. This blend of wool, acrylic, and superfine alpaca looks beautiful in all types of stitch patterns, both simple and textural. Posh Alpaca has a sophisticated look and feel that makes it a great choice for unisex projects like the Classic Cap.

The Classic Cap can be worn with the brim down for a slouchy look

We chose color 101 Birch for the first sample (pictured above), but the mature color palette in this yarn offers options from soft neutrals to saturated jewel tones. Yonca ended up making a couple more Classic Caps in colors 108 Velveteen and 109 Mulled Wine that are pictured below. I love the way these juicy colors elevate a simple beanie!

The Classic Cap in 108 Velveteen (left) and 109 Mulled Wine (Right)

Since I know you’re ready to cast on, here’s some more information about the Classic Cap pattern. It is sized from Baby – Adult Large (shown in Adult Small/Medium), and features a Twisted Rib brim, Stockinette stitch body, and spiral crown shaping. I love the look of a twisted rib brim on a hat. It adds a polished element to the finished project that elevates an otherwise simple pattern.

Don’t fret if you’re an absolute beginner. Although Twisted Rib may seem complex, it is quite easy to work once you get the hang of knitting and purling into the back loops. If you want to make sure the brim is able to be worn folded up or down, be sure to work Twisted Rib, not Half Twisted Rib so that the brim is fully reversible. With the rest of the hat worked in soothing Stockinette stitch and simple decreases, this is a perfect project to work on while hanging out with friends, or watching your favorite show. This pattern does feature different crown shaping instructions for each size, so just be mindful that you are working the instructions indicated for your chosen size.

Sometimes the simple things in life are the best things. The Classic Cap is an accessory you can sport with any outfit, or make it and gift it to someone special in your life. Either way, I’m sure it will become a well-worn hat in no time at all!

You can download the Classic Cap pattern, knit using Posh Alpaca at this link. Shop our luxuriously soft Posh Alpaca yarn here.

Happy Crafting,

Aubrey

January 6, 2023January 16, 2023

Free Pattern Friday – Cobbled Cowl

Happy Free Pattern Friday! Today we bring you the Cobbled Cowl (pattern link). This simple accessory works up quickly and has a lovely texture featuring a hazy halo of fibers from the yarn, Nymph.

*Cobbled Cowl made with Nymph in color 110 Lichen.*

Nymph is an irresistibly soft DK weight yarn with a cotton chainette construction and nylon fibers blown through, creating an ethereal effect. It comes in 50 g balls, is made of 84% cotton and 16% polyamide, and is machine washable for easy care. The palette is soft, yet earthy, with a hue to please everyone. To make way for new products, we are saying farewell to Nymph, so be sure to grab it while you can at a deep discount!

The cowl is worked flat from the bottom-up then seamed. The texture is a basic crochet stitch pattern called the Cobbled Stitch, which inspired name for the piece. It’s created by alternating single crochet (sc) and double triple crochet (dtr) across one row, then just single crochet for the next row. The soothing repetition, and no-brainer construction makes it accessible for beginners, and fun for experienced crafters wanting a Netflix-and-stitch project.

*Close up view of the cobbled stitch texture featured in the Cobbled Cowl.*

I hope you love this weeks Free Pattern Friday! Of course, I know that not all readers of this blog crochet, but don’t fret! There are plenty of knit patterns using this beautiful Nymph yarn. The Rosette Cowl is another freebie featuring a simple stitch repeat, or you can kick of 2023 with a larger project, like the January Sweater. Whatever you choose, be sure to share it with us – we love seeing your projects! Follow & tag us on Instagram at @Universal_Yarn and use the hashtag #UniversalYarn, or find and follow us on TikTok or Facebook at @UniversalYarn.

That’s all for now, Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane

December 30, 2022January 16, 2023

Flash Pattern Friday – Blue Spruce Socks

A pair of socks lays flat with string lights, balls of yarn, and knitting needles. The socks have blue spruce tree designs on a white back ground with brown accents.

It’s the last Flash Pattern Friday of the year! This weekend only, we have a special treat that is completely free!

*The Blue Spruce Socks are a blend of sophisticated, rustic, and cozy with their cute design, subtle textural elements, and tweedy nubs throughout*.

On the last Friday of the month, we temporarily make one of our paid patterns free! Today, we’re getting snuggly with the Blue Spruce Socks, made in Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash (Ravelry link here).

*Make a statement that will never go out of style with this classic yarn and colorwork combination.*

Originally, this pattern was published as part of the 2017 12 Days of Winter Kit Collection, Series 1. This inaugural collection launched a beloved tradition of pattern releases for the winter season, which is now running 6 years strong. Of the 12 patterns from the first year, the Blue Spruce Socks have the highest amount of projects made on Ravelry, and we love them all. In fact, we hope to see many more made, now that the pattern is free for the weekend!

*Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash comes in 20 dazzling different colors.*

The yarn called for is our Deluxe DK Tweed Superwash, a soft and springy yarn with a classic look. It’s made of 90% superwash wool, 3% viscose, and 7% acrylic, making it easy to care for and durable. This yarn is a wonderful choice for the Blue Spruce Socks – but it’s also a lovely choice for any project! Some other popular makes are the Moor hat, or pieces from the Rustic and Refined collection.

*With such thoughtful details, like the band of colorwork before the toe, and seamless finish, these socks are set to be a favorite for both comfort and style.*

What better way to kick off the new year, than with a sweet pair of socks? As you bid farewell to 2022 and let new resolutions guide you into 2023, try out a project that will keep your feet comfy and cozy as they walk you through this next chapter.

That’s all for now friends, Happy Stitching!
Ashley Jane McIntyre